Gluteal Muscles Flashcards

Gluteal Muscles Overview

• The gluteal muscles consist of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae, and piriformis.
• Each muscle has distinct origins, insertions, actions, and innervations important for understanding muscle function and anatomy.

Gluteus Maximus

• Origin: Posterior aspects of the ilium and sacrum.
• Insertion: Gluteal tuberosity of the femur and iliotibial tract.
• Action: Extends and laterally rotates the thigh; critical for actions like standing up and climbing stairs.
• Innervation: Innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.

Gluteus Minimus

• Origin: Lateral surface of the ilium.
• Insertion: Greater trochanter of the femur.
• Action:
  • Anterior fibers: Flex and medially rotate the thigh.
  • Middle fibers: Abduct the thigh.
  • Posterior fibers: Extend and laterally rotate the thigh.
• Innervation: Superior gluteal nerve.

Gluteus Medius

• Origin: Lateral surface of the ilium.
• Insertion: Greater trochanter of the femur.
• Action:
  • Anterior fibers: Flex and medially rotate the thigh.
  • Middle fibers: Abduct the thigh.
  • Posterior fibers: Extend and laterally rotate the thigh.
• Innervation: Supplied by the superior gluteal nerve.

Tensor Fasciae Latae

• Origin: Iliac crest and anterior superior iliac spine.
• Insertion: Iliotibial tract, influencing knee stability.
• Action: Functions in thigh abduction and flexion; important for stabilizing the hip and knee during movement.
• Innervation: Also innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.

Piriformis

• Origin: Anterior surface of the sacrum.
• Insertion: Greater trochanter of the femur.
• Action: Primarily responsible for laterally rotating the thigh; assists with hip stabilization.
• Innervation: Innervated by the ventral rami of S1-S2 spinal nerves.